Importing a prototype from China to UK

[sjmfraser]

We are a small start up company looking to import a prototype from China but unsure when it comes to the most suitable shipping terms. Please can anyone help with the following questions:-

1. If we ask the Chinese to arrange the delivery (would be airfreight for this first shipment) what exactly are the terms, do they pay for the collection, loading on to the plan and delivery up until i.e. Heathrow Airport ? What is the name of these terms, is it FOB ?

2. Would we as the buyer need to appoint a agent to take care of the customs clearance i.e. the VAT & Duty applicable on the item. Can anyone recommend an agent ?

3. What paperwork would we need to provide to UK Customs and/or the UK agent handling the customs clearance ?

4. Typically, would a delivery price from the Chinese be insured for any loss or damage en-route ?

Any other advice greatly appreciated
Thank you

Stuart Fraser

 

[GraemeL]

Hello Stuart,

best if you post this on the International Forum.

My advice is not to use the Chinese supplier to organise freight, for a number of reasons including loss of control and some possible financial issues.

Suggest you use a UK based freight forwarder who can give you good advice on everything you ask. If you post on the International Forum you will get several replies.

G

 

[saleem-nasir]

Hi,

I source and import garments from South East Asia and normally hire a shipping company to custom clear the consignment as I dont have time to go there but you can do it your self.

If you want that you supplier arrange the shipping then the term called CNF and CIF. CNF mean carriage and freight and CIF means carriage, freight and insurance. So if you need to insure your consignment then asked for CIF Heathrow Airport etc. Your supplier will get the shipping price from shipping company and will add into price and let you know the CNF or CIF Price. FOB means Free On Board mean consignment will be free on Chinese port and you need to arrange shipping from there.

You can ask any shipping company like I use DP World Wide and they can handle the consignment in UK if you get the CNF or if you go for FOB then they will arrange the shipping and pickup your consignment from China.

As for as documents are concern, they depends like in garments (my business) we need Commercial Invoice, Packing List (Properly signed and stamped), Country of Origin, GSP Certicate or A Form (for Duties to be paid on UK port), Airway Bills etc.

Becareful on GSP or A form as if there is any duty on the item you are importing will be determined on the GSP Certificate. So make sure they use the right reference number and check it with Business link website so that you exactly know how much duty you will have to pay in UK.

Moreover in air consignment make sure that all the documents are attached with the consignment as if they send you the documents by courier and if get deleyd and consignments arrives at port it wont be get clear until you get all the documents and after some time they will charge you for delay called dumrage and that is really high. if you need any more info you can contact me at skype saleem-nasir

We are a small start up company looking to import a prototype from China but unsure when it comes to the most suitable shipping terms. Please can anyone help with the following questions:-

1. If we ask the Chinese to arrange the delivery (would be airfreight for this first shipment) what exactly are the terms, do they pay for the collection, loading on to the plan and delivery up until i.e. Heathrow Airport ? What is the name of these terms, is it FOB ?

2. Would we as the buyer need to appoint a agent to take care of the customs clearance i.e. the VAT & Duty applicable on the item. Can anyone recommend an agent ?

3. What paperwork would we need to provide to UK Customs and/or the UK agent handling the customs clearance ?

4. Typically, would a delivery price from the Chinese be insured for any loss or damage en-route ?

Any other advice greatly appreciated
Thank you

Stuart Fraser

 

[IMEX Sourcing Services]

Hi Stuart,

We have a Cash On Delivery service for such requirements that may be of interest to you.

 

[InspectionPartner]

Hi Stuart,

I think hiring a UK freight company will be a lot easier due to the language barriers and time differences of doing it with a Chinese based one.

If you ever need someone to check the quality of your orders and do a pre-shipment check please feel free to contact me. I specialise in quality control for European companies importing from Asia.

 

[RandomRallies]

There is a guy from England who has recently moved to China to source products etc for his business, he will probably be able to help you, even if not his blog is a very interesting read, search 'Young Money China' blog on google and you will find it Or im sure he'll be along in no time to post

Martin

 

[keat63]

Sea freight is also the cheapest option, but can take around 4-5 weeks.